Flexible Storage Bag

Abstract

The flexible bag includes overlaying first and second sidewalls that provide an internal volume that can be accessed via an opening. To evacuate air from the internal volume after the open top edge has been closed, the bag includes a one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall. The bag is configured to prevent objects from clogging the valve element during evacuation. In one embodiment, the bag may include a plurality of ridges formed along the inner surface of at least one sidewall that can maintain separation of the sidewalls and contents from the valve element. In another aspect, the valve element is beneficially located at a top corner of the bag where the valve element is spaced apart from those locations in the bag where contents are likely to collect.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 880,784, titled “Flexible Storage Bag” and filed on Jun. 29, 2004, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention pertains generally to storage containers and more particularly to flexible storage bags designed to be sealed and evacuated. The invention finds particular applicability in the field of food storage.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Flexible plastic bags are widely used for a variety of purposes such as storing food items, either temporarily as in the case of packaging snacks or long term as in the case of freezer storage. Plastic bags of this style typically include flexible sidewalls made from, for example, polyethylene, that define an opening and an internal volume accessible through the opening. To seal the bag, interlocking closure strips may be provided about the rim of t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]Thus, an advantage of the invention is that it prevents the one-way valve element from becoming clogged during evacuation. Another advantage is that it hinders the opposing sidewalls from collapsing together and thereby prevents the trapping of air within the internal volume. A related advantage is that the invention facilitates evacuation of air from the internal volume to, for example, preserve food items. These and other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

Problems solved by technology

One common problem which occurs with such bags is that, after the opening has been sealed, latent air may remain trapped in the internal volume.

In addition to undesirably increasing the overall size of the sealed bag, the trapped air can cause spoilage of food items stored in the internal volume.

A problem that may arise with such bags that include one-way valve elements is that objects may clog the valve element thereby preventing further evacuation.

Furthermore, the contents of the bag itself may result in similar clogging.

A related problem is that collapsing the opposing sidewalls themselves together may trap air in other portions of the internal volume.

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